Battered Baby Syndrome
Definition: Battered Baby Syndrome (Battered Child Syndrome) is a condition in which a child suffers repeated non-accidental physical injuries inflicted by parents, guardians or caretakers. The term was first described by Kempe et al. (1962).
Causes
- Physical abuse by parents.
- Abuse by step-parents.
- Abuse by guardians or caretakers.
- Unwanted child.
- Illegitimate child.
- Mentally disturbed parents.
- Alcoholism and drug abuse in parents.
Common Injuries
- External: multiple bruises, abrasions, lacerations, bite marks, burns, cigarette burns.
- Skeletal: multiple fractures, fractures in different stages of healing, rib fractures, skull fractures, long bone fractures.
- Intracranial: subdural hematoma, cerebral edema, intracranial hemorrhage.
- Internal: liver injuries, splenic injuries, visceral injuries.